Puncture problem on Portobello Rd

Tough on tyres . . . Work continues on the Peninsula Connection Project last week.

Punctured tyres are “the nature of the beast” for motorists navigating roadworks on Otago Peninsula, a contractor says.

Fulton Hogan senior project manager Brett Paterson, speaking at an Otago Peninsula Community Board meeting in Portobello last week, said the plan, as part of the Peninsula Connection project, was to seal a section of Portobello Rd, near Weller St, by Christmas.

“The idea is to try and have as much of the carriageway running on a sealed surface as we can over the Christmas break.”

Fulton Hogan staff were working on the project to widen Portobello and Harington Point Rds to make them safer.

The staff would take a Christmas break on December 20 and return from January 6, Mr Paterson said.

Board member Graham McArthur said a tyre on his vehicle was punctured after driving on a gravel surface, which was being worked on as part of the project.

Mr McArthur asked Mr Paterson if he had heard of any similar incidents.

Mr Paterson said he had.

“Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast when we are running the big stones and we are doing what we can to make it as smooth as possible.

Board chairman Paul Pope said he had sustained a couple of punctures driving on the peninsula since the project started.

“I have two badges of honour.”

Board member Lox Kellas said motorists should take an alternative route if they wanted to avoid punctures.

Board deputy chairman Hoani Langsbury asked if drainage would be installed to deal with extra water flowing down at The Cove.

Mr Paterson said the plan was to install more manholes, sumps and culverts to deal with the issue.